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States Bolster Cybersecurity Practices

The National Governors Association (NGA) recently announced that five states—Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada and Oregon—will participate in a policy academy on developing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.

“Threats to our cybersecurity remain one of the most significant homeland security challenges facing the nation,” said Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, NGA vice chair and co-chair of the Resource Center for State Cybersecurity (Resource Center). “That is why, within weeks of coming into office, I created a cybersecurity commission in Virginia to develop policies and better prosecute cyber crime. This opportunity will allow states to learn effective cybersecurity practices to better safeguard citizens.”

State officials and policymakers must be equipped to handle the consequences of rapidly evolving and expanding cyber threats. Those threats arise from a large and increasing number of adversaries seeking to threaten communications networks and systems; databases containing sensitive and private information; financial, payment and tax systems; and other critical cyber infrastructure.

“Cyber threats affect everyone from law enforcement, public works and energy agencies, to financial and communications sectors and ultimately, citizens of every state,” Resource Center co-chair Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said. “This policy academy will help states develop strategic plans to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities and improve incident response planning.”

Both Resource Center co-chairs, as well as some private sector partners, will serve as faculty for the policy academy.

An NGA policy academy is a highly interactive, team-based, multi-state process in which a number of states develop and implement a plan to address a complex public policy issue. Participating states receive guidance and technical assistance from NGA staff and faculty experts, as well as consultants from the private sector, federal agencies, research organizations and academia.

To learn more about NGA’s Homeland Security and Public Safety Division, click here.